TDA Claim and Argument Development 3

Question 1

What does it mean to 'warrant' evidence in a TDA essay?

Accepted Answer

To explain the logical reasoning that connects the evidence to the claim

Answer

A warrant explains why and how the evidence supports the claim—it is the reasoning link that makes the argument valid.

Question 2

What is 'ethos' as a rhetorical strategy in an argumentative text?

Accepted Answer

An appeal to credibility or authority, establishing the author as trustworthy and knowledgeable

Answer

Ethos builds credibility by demonstrating the author's expertise, experience, or moral character to earn the audience's trust.

Question 3

Why is it insufficient in a TDA response to simply list evidence without analysis?

Accepted Answer

A list of evidence shows the student can find information but does not demonstrate understanding or argumentation skills

Answer

Listing evidence without interpretation fails to demonstrate higher-order thinking—TDA scoring rewards analysis, not just retrieval.

Question 4

What is the role of the concluding sentence in a TDA body paragraph?

Accepted Answer

To reinforce how the evidence and analysis connect back to the thesis or central argument

Answer

The concluding sentence ties the paragraph's evidence and analysis back to the main claim, creating coherence and forward momentum.

Question 5

What strategy should be used when the textual evidence seems to contradict your claim?

Accepted Answer

Address the contradiction honestly, explain it as a nuance or limitation, and show how your claim still holds overall

Answer

Acknowledging and addressing contradictory evidence demonstrates sophisticated reasoning and actually strengthens rather than weakens a well-argued TDA response.

TDA - Text Dependent Analysis Practice Test

TDA - Text Dependent Analysis Practice Test

TDA Claim and Argument Development 3